Belt buckle

ABSTRACT

A buckle can include a first strap engaging device and a second strap engaging device. The first strap engaging device can include a first engaging structure extending rearward from the front portion, with the first engaging structure defining a first hole through a first surface of the first engaging structure that faces outward in a first side direction from the buckle. The first engaging device can also include a buckle protrusion configured to press against a first strap end extending through the first hole to engage the first strap end without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end. The second engaging device can be configured to engage a second strap end. A technique can include securing first and second strap ends using a buckle, which can include engaging the first strap end using a buckle protrusion without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end.

BACKGROUND

Buckles have been used to secure ends of straps to each other, such as with belt buckles that secure ends of a belt strap to each other. Different buckles have included different features with various drawbacks and advantages.

SUMMARY

Whatever the advantages of previous buckles, straps and belts, they have neither recognized the advantages of the buckle, belt, and strap features described and claimed herein, nor the advantages produced by such features.

According to one aspect, a buckle can include a front portion, a first strap engaging device, and a second strap engaging device. The first strap engaging device can include a first engaging structure extending rearward from the front portion, with the first engaging structure defining a first hole through a first surface of the first engaging structure, and with the first surface facing outward in a first side direction from the buckle. The first engaging device can also include a buckle protrusion secured to the front portion and located in a second side direction from the first hole, with the second side direction being opposite the first side direction, such that the buckle protrusion is configured to cooperate in forcing a first bend in a first strap end extending through the first hole, and with the buckle protrusion being configured to press against the first strap end to engage the first strap end without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end. The second engaging device can be configured to engage a second strap end, with the buckle being configured to secure the first strap end to the second strap end.

According to another aspect, a belt can include a strap and a buckle. The strap can include a first strap end and a second strap end that is opposite the first strap end. The buckle can be configured to secure the first strap end to the second strap end, with the buckle including a front portion, a first strap engagement device, and a second strap engagement device. The first strap engagement device can be on a first side of the buckle and the second strap engagement device can be on a second side of the buckle that is opposite the first side of the buckle. The first strap engagement device can be configured to secure a first strap end to the buckle and can include a first engaging structure and a buckle protrusion. The first engaging structure can extend rearward from the front portion, with the first engaging structure defining a first hole through a first surface of the first engaging structure, and with the first surface facing outward in a first side direction from the buckle. The buckle protrusion can be secured to the front portion and located in a second side direction from the first hole, with the second side direction being opposite the first side direction, such that the buckle protrusion is configured to cooperate in forcing a first bend in the first strap end extending through the first hole, and with the buckle protrusion being configured to press against the first strap end to engage the first strap end without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end. The second strap engagement device can be configured to engage the second strap end.

According to yet another aspect, a technique can include inserting a first strap end of a strap through a first hole that extends through a first surface of a first engaging structure of a buckle, with the first engaging structure extending rearward from a front portion of the buckle, and with the first surface facing outward in a first side direction from the buckle. The technique can also include engaging the first strap end using a buckle protrusion that extends rearward from the front portion of the buckle adjacent to the first hole without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end, and with the engaging of the first strap end comprising forcing a first bend in the first strap end using the buckle protrusion.

The engaging of the first strap end using the buckle protrusion can include engaging a first side of the first strap end with the buckle protrusion. The engaging of the first strap end can further include engaging a second side of the first strap end that is opposite the first side using an edge of the buckle, with the engaging of the second side forcing a second bend in the first strap end using the edge of the buckle. The engaging of the first strap end can include using the buckle protrusion to cooperate with an edge of the first engaging structure of the buckle that borders the first hole to force the first bend in the first strap end. Also, the engaging of the first strap end using the buckle protrusion can include using the buckle protrusion to cooperate with a body that is separate from the buckle to force the second bend in the first strap end. The first strap end and the buckle can each be part of a belt, and the body can be a person wearing the belt. The engaging of the first strap end can include forcing the buckle protrusion and the edge of the first engaging structure of the buckle to bite into the strap without extending through the strap. Also, the engaging of the first strap end using the protrusion can include stretching the strap.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. The concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Similarly, the invention is not limited to implementations that address the particular techniques, tools, environments, disadvantages, or advantages discussed in the Background, the Detailed Description, or the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front-left-top broken-away perspective view of a belt. In the discussion below, a first side refers to right side in the figures, a second side refers to left side in the figures, a first direction refers to a direction to the right in the figures, and a second direction refers to the left in the figures. Such directional terms as right, left, top, bottom, front, back, and forward, are used herein for convenience in describing directions relative to each other for the belt. Such terms should not be construed as limiting use in a particular orientation because the belt discussed herein may be oriented in different ways. For example, the belt may be rotated one-hundred eighty degrees so that the bottom becomes the top and the right side becomes the left side from the perspective of a person using the buckle and strap ends.

FIG. 2 is a back-right-bottom broken-away perspective view of the belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a broken-away top view of the belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a broken-away front view of the belt of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a broken away sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4, and further including a broken-away portion of a body.

FIG. 6 is a front-left-top perspective view of the buckle of from the belt of FIG. 1. As will be seen in the figures, the top and bottom halves of the buckle of FIG. 1 can be mirror images of each other.

FIG. 7 is a front-right-bottom perspective view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a back-right-top perspective view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a back-left-bottom perspective view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the buckle of FIG. 6. Note that the top and bottom halves of the buckle can be mirror images of each other.

FIG. 13 is a back view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is a right-side view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 15 is a left-side view of the buckle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged detail view of an area within line C of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a broken-away simplified perspective view of a section of a strap, which can be used for the strap ends in the belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a top-left-front perspective view of an alternative buckle that can be used in place of the buckle in the belt of FIG. 1. The buckle of FIG. 19 can be the same as the buckle of FIG. 1, except that the buckle of FIG. 19 can include a wavy surface along one of the major sides of each of the holes extending inward from the left and right sides of the buckle.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged detail view of an area within line D of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a bottom-right-front perspective view of the buckle of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail view of an area within line E of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a top-right-back perspective view of the buckle of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a bottom-left-back perspective view of the buckle of FIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a back view of the buckle of FIG. 19.

FIG. 26 is a right-side view of the buckle of FIG. 19.

FIG. 27 is a left-side view of the buckle of FIG. 19.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along line G-G of FIG. 25.

The description and drawings may refer to the same or similar features in different drawings with the same reference numbers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Belt Structure

Referring to FIGS. 1-18, a belt 100 is illustrated, though the straps of the belt are broken away beyond each of opposite ends so that the entire loop of the belt strap is not illustrated. The belt 100 can include a strap 101 including a first strap end 102. The first strap end 102 can include a thick section 104, which can be connected to a thin section 106 that extends from the thick section 104 to a terminus 108 of the first strap end 102. Adjacent to the terminus 108, the thin section can include a narrowed section 112 in which a width of the thin section can narrow as it extends toward the terminus 108 of the first strap end 102. For example, a corner of the strap can be beveled as illustrated, although the narrowed section 112 can include the strap being beveled, rounded and/or otherwise transitioning from a greater width to a narrower width.

The belt 100 can also include a second strap end 120. For example, the second strap end 120 may be an end of the strap 101 that is opposite the first strap end 102. The second strap end 120 can include a strap protrusion 122 (seen in FIG. 5), which can increase a cross sectional area of the second strap end 120 at or near a terminus of the second strap end 120. For example, the strap protrusion 122 may be material that is folded over and sewn to the strap material of the second strap end 120. As another alternative, the strap protrusion 122 may be a bulge in an end of the second strap end 120 that is integral with the remainder of the second strap end 120, or a fastener such as a rivet that extends through the second strap end 120.

Referring to FIG. 18, an example of components of each of the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 will be discussed. The strap ends may each be formed of a single integrated material. However, the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 may each include a strap core 130 and surrounding material 132. For example, the strap core 130 may include an elastomeric rubber-type material, and the surrounding material 132 may include threads, which may be sewn to the core 130. For example, the threads may polymer threads such as nylon threads or polyester threads. The elastomeric material may allow for stretch along the length of the resulting strap, and the threads may be sewn in stitching patterns that allow for at least some such stretching along the length of the strap. Additionally, the surrounding material 132 can form a non-smooth textured strap surface 133 that can include raised portions 134 thereon. For example, the threads of the surrounding material 132 may form laterally extending ridges 136 and valleys 138. Thus, the ridges 136 and valleys 138 may extend in directions that are different from directions of stretching of the strap ends during use, such as where the ridges 136 and 138 extend in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of each of the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 (such as the generally side-to-side direction along the strap ends in the figures). The thin section 106 may have a different structure than what illustrated in FIG. 17. For example, the thin section may be thinned by a heat press process that may flatten the texture on the surface, and may blend the layers of the core 130 and the surrounding material 132 due to the application of heat and pressure to form the thin section 106. In an example, the thin section 106 may be a few inches long, such as about four inches long.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-5, the belt 100 can secure the first strap end 102 to the second strap end 120, and this may be done with the strap adjacent to a body 150. The belt 100 can further include a buckle 200, which can secure the first strap end 102 to the second strap end 120, and this may be done in cooperation with the body 150 as is discussed more below.

The buckle 200 will be discussed now in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-17. The buckle 200 may be a single integral component, with each of the buckle features being integral with the other features to which the feature is connected, and with each of the buckle features having positions and orientations that are fixed relative to the other buckle features. The buckle 200 can include a front portion 210, which can be a plate having four parallel sides at right angles to each other with rounded corners joining the sides. The front portion 210 can be curved about a vertical axis so that a front face 212 of the front portion 210 can be convex, curving from side-to-side with a middle portion of the front face being farther forward that side edges of the front face. The buckle 200 can also include a ceiling 214 or ceiling structure, which can extend back from a top edge of the front portion 210, and a floor 216 or floor structure, which can extend back from a bottom edge of the front portion 210. Each of the ceiling 214 and the floor 216 can be a plate.

The buckle 200 can include a first strap engagement device 228, which can include a first engaging structure 230, such as a wall on a first side of the buckle 200 (right side in the figures). The first engaging structure 230 can extend back from a first-side edge of the front portion 210, with the first engaging structure 230 being joined with first-side ends of the ceiling 214 and the floor 216 by rounded corner walls, where part of each rounded corner wall may be considered part of the first engaging structure 230 and another part of the rounded corner wall may be considered part of the ceiling 214 or floor 216. Rather than having rounded corners, the ceiling, may be joined to the first engaging structure 230 and a second engaging structure discussed below and the floor may be joined to the first engaging structure 230 and a second engaging structure discussed below by some other shape, such as where corners are beveled (where angled walls can join the adjacent side with the ceiling or floor), or where corners may come to a point without rounding or beveling.

The first engaging structure 230 can have a generally rectangular shape and can define a first hole 232 therein. The first hole 232 can extend in from a first outer surface 234 (right-side surface) of the first engaging structure 230. The first hole 232 can have a generally obround cross-sectional shape, so that a general obround cut-out shape is formed in the first outer surface 234 of the first engaging structure 230. However, rather than having purely circular end portions, each end portion can include a generally straight and angled beveled front portion that extends from a front major edge that can be straight, and each end portion can also include a curved portion that curves from the beveled front portion to a back major edge that can also be straight. Accordingly, the first hole 232 can be generally defined by a pair of front angled end surfaces 240 that each join with a back curved end surface 242 to define the top and bottom of the first hole 232, as well as an angled front surface 244 that can extend vertically and join the front angled end surfaces 240 to define a front side of the first hole 232, and an angled back surface 246 that can extend vertically and join the back curved end surfaces 242 to define a back side of the first hole 232. Accordingly, the first hole 232 can angle from the right-facing surface back and to the left as it extends into the buckle 200.

The first strap engagement device 228 can include a buckle protrusion 250. The angled front surface 244 can extend along the buckle protrusion 250, and the buckle protrusion 250 can extend back from the front portion 210 of the buckle 200. The position and orientation of the buckle protrusion 250 can be fixed relative to the first engaging structure 230, relative to the front portion 210, and relative to the remainder of the buckle 200. The cross-sectional contour of the buckle protrusion 250 can be seen in FIG. 5 and in FIGS. 16-17. Specifically, the buckle protrusion 250 can form a vertically extending ridge that can also extend in a second direction (to the left in the figures) and backward from the front portion 210 and from a front part of the first engaging structure 230, so that the buckle protrusion 250 can extend backward between the first engaging structure 230 and a second side (left side in the figures) of the buckle 200. The buckle protrusion 250 can extend vertically from the ceiling 214 to the floor 216. The angled front surface 244 of the first hole 232 can curve to extend more backward than to the side as it approaches a crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. The crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 can include a first edge 254 on a first (right) side of the crest 252 and a second edge 256 on an opposite second (left) side of the crest 252. Each of the edges (as well as other strap-engaging edges discussed herein) may be rounded so long as they form a sufficiently sharp edge to bite into the corresponding strap to cooperate in securing the strap to the buckle 200. The buckle protrusion 250 may not extend back as far as the ceiling 214 and the floor 216, so that the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 can be located forward of the back edge of the ceiling 214 and the back edge of the floor 216. However, the crest 252 may be located close enough to the back edge of the ceiling 214 and the back edge of the floor 216 so that a strap extending behind the buckle protrusion 250 can be pressed against the crest 252 by a body 150 (see FIG. 5) that is against a back side of the buckle 200. An edge 260 can also be formed at a junction between the first outer surface 234 of the first engaging structure 230 and a first-side (right) edge of the angled back surface 246.

Thus, the first hole 232 can angle from the first outer surface 234 of the first engaging structure 230 in the second direction and backward, and it can then extend and curve more to the back as it exits in a more backward direction between the first engaging structure 230 and the buckle protrusion 250.

Referring to FIGS. 1-16, the buckle can further include a second strap engagement device 268, which can include a second engaging structure 270, such as a second-side (left side in the figures) wall of the buckle 200, which can extend back from a second-side edge of the front portion 210 of the buckle 200. The second engaging structure 270 can be joined with the second-side ends of the ceiling 214 and the floor 216 in a manner like the first engaging structure 230 is joined with the first-side ends of the ceiling 214 and the floor 216. The second engaging structure 270 can define a second hole 272, which can extend inward in the first direction (such as to the right in the figures) from a second outer surface 274 (left side surface) of the second engaging structure 270 (which can face in a direction opposite from the first outer surface 234). Like the first hole 232, the second hole 272 can have a generally obround cross-sectional shape, so that a general obround cut-out shape is formed in the second outer surface 274 of the second engaging structure 270. However, rather than having purely circular end portions, each end portion can include a generally straight and angled beveled front portion that extends from a front major edge that can be straight, and each end portion can also include a curved portion that curves from the beveled front portion to a back major edge that can also be straight. Accordingly, the second hole 272 can be generally defined by a pair of front angled end surfaces 280 that each join with a back curved end surface 282 to define the top and bottom of the second hole 272. A front surface 284 can extend vertically and join the front angled end surfaces 280 to define a front side of the second hole 272. A back surface 286 can extend vertically and join the back curved end surfaces 282 to define a back side of the second hole 272. The second hole 272 can extend from the second outer surface 274 inward in the first direction (to the right in the figures) through the second engaging structure 270.

The second engaging structure 270 can also define a cutout or aperture 290, which can extend forward from a back side of the second engaging structure 270. The aperture 290 can be separated from the second hole 272 by a wall 292 that is part of the second engaging structure 270.

In accordance with the description above, the buckle 200 can define a cavity 296, which can be located behind the front portion 210, to the side of the buckle protrusion 250 in the second direction (to the left in the figures) and to the side of the second engaging structure 270 in the first direction (to the right in the figures).

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, positions of the strap ends relative to the buckle 200 in a secured position will be discussed. In the secured position, the strap protrusion 122 can be positioned at least partially in the cavity 296. The second strap end 120 can extend in the second direction from the protrusion 122, exiting the buckle 200 through the second hole 272, and extending from the buckle 200 in the second direction. Tension can be applied to the second strap end 120. For example, the second strap end 120 and the first strap end 102 may be opposite ends of a belt extending around a body 150, such as a body of a person, so that tension on the strap can pull the second strap end 120 in the second direction and can pull the first strap end 102 in the first direction.

The thick section 104 of the first strap end 102 can extend in the second direction through the first hole 232 and over (behind) the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. The first strap end 102 can continue in the second direction from the buckle protrusion 250, such as past the cavity 296 (and possibly at least partially into the cavity 296) and across the aperture 290 in the second engaging structure 270. The first strap end 102 can also thin from the thick section 104 to the thin section 106 as it extends in the second direction. The thick section 104 can have a thickness that is approximately equal to a thickness of the first hole 232. Indeed, the thick section 104 may form an interference fit with the first hole 232, which can help the buckle 200 engage the first strap end 102.

A body 150 can be pressed against the back side of the portion of the first strap end 102 that extends over (behind) the buckle protrusion 250 so that the body 150 presses the first strap end 102 against the first edge 254 and the second edge 256 of the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. In other embodiments, the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 may have different shapes. For example, the crest 252 may narrow to a single edge, rather than forming a flat ridge with two edges. As another example, the protrusion may come to other types of edges, such as forming multiple edges that are separated by gaps or coming to one or more points (which are types of edges), rather than forming elongate edges.

The buckle 200, the tension on the first strap end 102 and the body 150 can combine to press the first strap end 102 between the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 and the body 150 to press the edges of the crest 252 into the first strap end 102 and force a first bend 302 in the first strap end 102 as the first strap end passes over the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. Accordingly, the first edge 254 and second edge 256 of the crest 252 can engage a front side of the first strap end 102. Moreover, the buckle 200 and the tension in the first direction on the first strap end 102 can force the first strap end 102 to form a second bend 304 in the first strap end 102, as the first strap end 102 extends over the edge 260 and angles rearward through the first hole 232.

With tension pulling the first strap end 102 in the first direction, the first strap end 102 can be pressed against the edge 260 at the junction between the first outer surface 234 of the first engaging structure 230 and a first-side edge of the angled back surface 246, so that the edge 260 can engage a back side of the first strap end 102. Thus, the first strap end 102 can be pressed against the edge 260 and against the first edge 254 and second edge 256 of the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. For example, one or more of the edge 260 and the first edge 254 and second edge 256 of the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 may extend into valleys 138 between ridges 136 in the first strap end 102. Accordingly, the edge 260 and the first edge 254 and second edge 256 of the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 can bite into the first strap end 102 to inhibit movement of the first strap end 102 in the first direction relative to the buckle 200. This biting engagement of the first strap end 102 can be performed without the buckle extending through the first strap end 102, which can allow the tension on the strap to be readily adjusted. As additional tension is applied to the first strap end 102, the first strap end 102 can be pressed into the edges of the buckle 200 with more pressure to more securely hold the first strap end 102 in place relative to the buckle 200.

At the same time, movement of the second strap end 120 in the second direction can be inhibited by the cross section of the strap protrusion 122 being larger in at least some dimension than the cross section of the second hole 272. Accordingly, the strap protrusion 122 can be inhibited from being pulled through the second hole 272 and the second strap end 120 can be secured to the buckle.

II. Belt Use

In using the belt 100 if the buckle 200 is separated from the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120, the second strap end 120 can be secured to the second engaging structure 270 of the buckle 200. For example, if the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 are opposite ends of a single belt strap, the terminus 108 of the first strap end 102 can be inserted into the cavity 296 and through the second hole 272. The first strap end 102 can be pulled through the second hole 272 until the second strap end becomes seated in the buckle 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and discussed above. The first strap end 102 can also be brought around the body 150, bringing the first strap end 102 back to the buckle 200.

The terminus 108 of the first strap end 102 can be pushed from the first side (right side in the figures) of the buckle 200 through the first hole 232, so that the terminus exits the first hole 232 to the back between the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250 and the first engaging structure 230 of the buckle 200. For example, this may be done with the first-side end of the buckle 200 angled out away from the body 150 (the second-side end of the buckle may remain adjacent to the body 150) so that the first strap end 102 can be initially inserted through the first hole 232 without interference from the body 150. Because the thin section 106 can be substantially thinner than the cross section of the first hole 232 and because the terminus 108 can be narrowed (e.g., beveled), the thin section 106 can more easily be inserted through the first hole 232. The portion of the first strap end 102 that has passed through the first hole 232 can then be grasped by a user and pulled relative to the buckle 200 to bring more of the first strap end 102 through the first hole 232. In this manner, a portion of the thick section 104 of the first strap end 102 can be pulled through the first hole 232 and past the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. As this happens, the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 can tighten. This tightening can increase tension pulling the first strap end 102 in the first direction away from the buckle 200, which can increase pressure that pinches the first strap end 102 between the body 150 and the first edge 254 and second edge 256 of the crest 252. The increased tension can also press the first strap end 102 against the edge 260 at the back of the first-side entry of the first hole 232. As this happens, the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 (as well as addition strap portions beyond the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120) can stretch if the strap material is elastic, as with the particular example discussed above. The tension on the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 can also hold the buckle 200 in place against the body 150. Thus, the first strap end 102 can be secured to the buckle 200.

Also, the second strap end 120 can be secured to the buckle 200 because the strap protrusion 122 can inhibit movement of the second strap end through the second hole 272 of the buckle 200. Accordingly, the buckle 200 can secure the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 together.

With a stretched strap (such as where the strap has elastic properties), the strap can remain tensioned with the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 secured together with the buckle 200, even with movement during use that might otherwise cause slack in the strap. This tension can help to keep the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 secured together with the buckle 200, as discussed above.

To release the first strap end 102 and the second strap end 120 from each other, the first side of the buckle 200 can be pulled away from the body 150. This can allow the first strap end 102 to move away from the crest 252 of the buckle protrusion 250. With the first strap end 102 moved away from the crest 252, the biting or friction force between the crest 252 and the first strap end 102 can be eased, and the first strap end can pull through the first hole 232. This can provide slack in the first strap end 102 on the second side (to the left in the figures) of the edge 260 at the first-side entrance of the first hole 232, which can in turn ease the biting or friction force between the edge 260 and the first strap end 102. The first strap end 102 can then be fed through the first hole 232 to remove the first strap end 102 from the buckle 200.

The strap(s) and the buckle 200 may then be moved away from the body 150. If the second strap end 120 is to be separated from the buckle 200, the strap protrusion 122 can be pulled in the first direction relative to the buckle 200 and out of the cavity 296. The strap can continue to be pulled until it is completely pulled through the second hole 272.

III. Manufacturing and Materials

The buckle can be made with any of various processes. For example, the entire buckle may be made as a single unitary integral member. Alternatively, different combinations of structural features may be formed as separate members and secured to the remainder of the buckle. In one example, the buckle can be formed with a molding process, and can include one or more post-molding processes, such as subtractive machining processes and/or additive processes, which may alter the geometry of the buckle. As another example, the buckle may be formed with a subtractive process such as milling and/or an additive process such as 3D printing (which again may be combined with post-forming processes). One or more coatings may be applied to the buckle. For example, an anodization process may be applied to the buckle as a finishing process.

The buckle may be made of any of various materials, so long as the materials are sufficiently strong, stiff, hard, and durable for the functions discussed herein. For example, the buckle may be made of steel, aluminum (such as an aluminum alloy), titanium or some other metal. As another example, the buckle may be made of a polymer material, such as a fiber-reinforced polymer material. The buckle may be formed of other materials, such as other fiber composite materials.

The strap can be formed using a stitching process and applying the stitching to a core, such as an elastomeric core. Alternatively, some non-stitching process may be used, such as extruding a strap of a single material that is sufficiently strong and durable, has a textured surface, and has elastic stretch capability. A thick section of the strap may be formed to have a thickness that is like the thickness of the first hole 232 discussed above. Indeed, the thick strap section may have an interference fit with the buckle as the thick strap section extends through the first hole 232. The thin section of the strap can have a cross section that is less than that of the first hole 232. Such as section can be formed by heat pressing a portion of the strap. Also, a portion of the first strap end can be trimmed, such as to bevel an end of the strap to form the narrow section of the strap discussed above.

The strap protrusion discussed above can be formed in various ways. For example, a protruding material (such as a polymer or leather material (e.g., a faux leather material)) can be sewn to the second strap end. Alternatively, a strap protrusion may be formed by securing one or more fasteners to the second strap end, such as securing rivets to the second strap end.

IV. Alternative Buckle

Referring now to FIGS. 19-29, another example of a buckle 400 that can be formed and used in the same manner as the buckle 200 discussed above will be discussed. Additionally, the structure of the buckle 400 can be like the buckle 200 except that the back surface of the first hole and the back surface of the second hole can be different. Accordingly, reference numbers are only included in FIGS. 19-29 for features that differ from those of the buckle 200 discussed above.

More specifically, the angled back surface 410 of the first hole 232 in the buckle 400 can be oriented like the angled back surface 246 of the buckle 200, except that the angled back surface 410 can form a wave pattern of alternating convex hills 412 and troughs 414, with each of the hills 412 and troughs 414 extending in an angled direction from first-side front to second-side back along the surface 410. Thus, a similar wave pattern can be formed in the edge 420 (corresponding to the edge 260 on the buckle 200) at the junction between the first outer surface 234 of the first engaging structure 230 and the first-side edge of the angled back surface 410. Accordingly, the hills of the edge 420 may act as protrusions that can bite into the first strap end 102, which may increase the biting force when compared to a straight edge as in the edge 260 of the buckle 200.

Similarly, a back surface 430 of the second hole 272 can be oriented like the back surface 286 of the buckle 200, except that the back surface 430 can form a wave pattern like the wave pattern in the angled back surface 410, including alternating convex hills 432 and troughs 434, with each of the hills 432 and troughs 434 extending in the first direction along the surface 430.

The subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the benefits described herein. A particular implementation of the invention may provide all, some, or none of the benefits described herein. Although operations for the various techniques are described herein in a particular, sequential order for the sake of presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangements in the order of operations, unless a particular ordering is required. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently.

While particular embodiments are discussed above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, different types of strap constructions and materials maybe used, and the strap ends may be part of a single strap or parts of two different straps. Additionally, the buckle may have different shapes and structures from what is illustrated in the attached drawings and discussed in detail above. For example, the surface forming the back side of the first hole may include different shapes from being straight or wavy as discussed above, such as having the surface form an arch wherein the middle of the first hole (between the top and bottom) has a larger cross section than the top or bottom ends of the first hole. Such a configuration could encourage first strap end to curl along the arched surface and create more friction between buckle and the first strap end. 

I/We claim:
 1. A buckle comprising: a front portion; a first strap engagement device comprising: a first engaging structure extending rearward from the front portion, the first engaging structure defining a first hole through a first surface of the first engaging structure, with the first surface facing outward in a first side direction from the buckle; and a buckle protrusion secured to the front portion and located in a second side direction from the first hole, with the second side direction being opposite the first side direction, such that the buckle protrusion is configured to cooperate in forcing a first bend in a first strap end extending through the first hole, and with the buckle protrusion being configured to press against the first strap end to engage the first strap end without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end; and a second strap engagement device, with the second strap engagement device being configured to a engage a second strap end, with the buckle being configured to secure the first strap end to the second strap end.
 2. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the first strap engagement device is configured to force a second bend in the first strap end adjacent to the first hole and to press an edge of the first engaging structure against the first strap end on a side of the first strap end that is opposite from the buckle protrusion.
 3. The buckle of claim 2, wherein the first strap engagement device comprises a first edge proximate to the first surface, wherein the edge is configured to engage the first strap end.
 4. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the buckle is configured to press the buckle protrusion against the first strap end by using tension in the first strap end and the second strap end to press the first strap end against a body that is separate from the buckle and is located behind the buckle.
 5. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the buckle protrusion comprises an edge that is configured to bite into the first strap end and cooperate in forcing the first bend.
 6. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the buckle protrusion is a ridge extending rearward from the front portion of the buckle.
 7. The buckle of claim 1, wherein the second strap engagement device comprises a second engaging structure extending rearward from the front portion opposite from the first engaging structure, with the second engaging structure defining a second surface that faces in the second side direction away from the first engaging structure, with the second engaging structure defining a second hole through the second surface of the second engaging structure, with the second hole being configured to receive the second strap end, and with the second engaging structure being configured to engage the second strap end.
 8. The buckle of claim 7, wherein the second engaging structure is configured to engage a strap protrusion on the second strap end, with the second engaging structure being configured to inhibit movement of the strap protrusion outward through the second hole.
 9. A belt comprising: a strap comprising a first strap end and a second strap end that is opposite the first strap end; a buckle configured to secure the first strap end to the second strap end, the buckle comprising: a front portion; a first strap engagement device on a first side of the buckle, the first strap engagement device configured to secure the first strap end to the buckle, and the first strap engagement device comprising: a first engaging structure extending rearward from the front portion, the first engaging structure defining a first hole through a first surface of the first engaging structure, with the first surface facing outward in a first side direction from the buckle; and a buckle protrusion secured to the front portion and located in a second side direction from the first hole, with the second side direction being opposite the first side direction, such that the buckle protrusion is configured to cooperate in forcing a first bend in the first strap end extending through the first hole, and with the buckle protrusion being configured to press against the first strap end to engage the first strap end without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end; and a second strap engagement device on a second side of the buckle that is opposite the first side of the buckle, with the second strap engagement device being configured to a engage the second strap end.
 10. The belt of claim 9, wherein the first strap end comprises a thin section of the first strap end that extends to a terminus of the first strap end, and a thick section of the first strap end that extends away from the terminus along the strap from the thin section, with the thick section being thicker than the thin section.
 11. The belt of claim 9, wherein the strap comprises an elastomeric material.
 12. The belt of claim 11, wherein the strap comprises a textured surface having a plurality of raised portions thereon, and wherein the buckle protrusion is configured to engage the textured surface.
 13. The belt of claim 12, wherein the textured surface comprises threads extending along an elastomeric core.
 14. The belt of claim 9, wherein the second strap engagement device comprises a second engaging structure extending rearward from the front portion on the second side of the buckle that is opposite to the first engaging structure, with the second engaging structure defining a second surface that faces in the second side direction outward and away from the first engaging structure, with the second engaging structure defining a second hole through the second surface of the second engaging structure, with the second hole being configured to receive the second strap end, and with the second engaging structure being configured to engage a strap protrusion on the second strap end, with the second engaging structure being configured to inhibit movement of the strap protrusion outward to the second side of the buckle through the second hole.
 15. A method comprising: inserting a first strap end of a strap through a first hole that extends through a first surface of a first engaging structure of a buckle, with the first engaging structure extending rearward from a front portion of the buckle, and with the first surface facing outward in a first side direction from the buckle; and engaging the first strap end using a buckle protrusion that extends rearward from the front portion of the buckle adjacent to the first hole without the buckle protrusion extending through the first strap end, and with the engaging of the first strap end comprising forcing a first bend in the first strap end using the buckle protrusion.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging the first strap end using the buckle protrusion comprises engaging a first side of the first strap end with the buckle protrusion, and wherein the engaging of the first strap end further comprises engaging a second side of the first strap end that is opposite the first side using an edge of the first engaging structure, with the edge of the first engaging structure being located away from the buckle protrusion, and with the engaging of the second side forcing a second bend in the first strap end using the edge of the buckle.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the engaging of the first strap end comprises using the buckle protrusion to force the first bend in the first strap end, and wherein the engaging of the first strap end using the buckle protrusion comprises using the buckle protrusion to cooperate with a body that is separate from the buckle to force the first bend in the first strap end.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first strap end and the buckle are each part of a belt, and wherein the body is a person wearing the belt.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the engaging of the first strap end comprises forcing the buckle protrusion and the edge of the first engaging structure of the buckle to bite into the strap without extending through the strap.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the engaging of the first strap end using the buckle protrusion comprises stretching the strap to produce tension in the strap. 